Novel Approaches in the Treatment of Vertebral Column Disorders in Small Animals

Document Type : Review article

Authors
Mir Sepehr Pedram
Mahyar Mohebbi
Department of Surgery and Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
10.61882/eltiamj.12.1.6
Abstract
Background: Vertebral column disorders represent prevalent clinical challenges in small animals (particularly dogs and cats), significantly impacting mobility and quality of life, thus requiring effective and occasionally urgent clinical management. This article is a review article.
Objectives:
To review modern methods in the diagnosis and treatment of vertebral column disorders in small animals.
Methods: In this review, modern diagnostic and therapeutic methods were gathered and analyzed based on published evidence and studies.
Results: Traditional surgical techniques such as laminectomy and hemilaminectomy, while effective in reducing neurological symptoms, are associated with significant disadvantages including extensive soft tissue invasion, risk of infection, bleeding, secondary nerve damage, long recovery periods, and high costs. Modern diagnostic advances such as CT imaging (with high accuracy in bone injuries) and MRI (superior in evaluating soft tissues and spinal cord) enable more accurate assessment and targeted treatment planning for spinal problems. In the field of treatment, minimally invasive spine surgery using small incisions and endoscopic instruments provides advantages including reduced tissue damage, less bleeding, limited post-operative pain, and shorter convalescence. Three-dimensional printing technology increases the accuracy of prosthesis placement, and artificial disc replacement as an alternative to traditional fusion, while preserving segmental movement and preventing degeneration of adjacent vertebrae, creates better functional outcomes in predisposed breeds. Regenerative therapies such as stem cell use and platelet-rich plasma, along with complementary methods like physiotherapy and ozone therapy, form a more comprehensive approach.
Conclusions: Modern methods provide more effective and less invasive treatment options. However, challenges including high equipment costs, need for specialized training, and the necessity of protocol standardization require future attention.

Keywords

Subjects

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Eltiam
Volume 12, Issue 1 - Serial Number 23
November 2025
Pages 96-108

  • Receive Date 13 October 2025
  • Accept Date 16 October 2025
  • Publish Date 22 November 2025